Insights & News

The implications of proposed powers for councils to block slow developers: Sara Hanrahan comments for Planning Resource

11 May 2023

A legislative tweak allowing councils to refuse applications anywhere in their area from applicants deemed slow to build out a site will be challenging to implement, may unfairly penalise smaller developers and could deter brownfield redevelopment, commentators fear.

Lewis Silkin oversees construction contracts and construction aspects of major new UK film studio

18 July 2022

Shinfield Studios development set to bring Hollywood to the Thames Valley.

Not so intangible: IP rights and real estate. Clare Reddy, Stephanie Kay and Michael Szlesinger write for EG

Press

01 June 2022

From trophy buildings that dominate the skyline to uniquely designed work and living spaces, distinctiveness is a significant driver of real estate value. Key to developers’ ability to leverage and protect that value are intellectual property rights.

Location, context and place-shaping challenge - The Great Office Occupier & Developer Debate

24 May 2022

Office premises come in a wide variety of forms from new, smart buildings to older traditional and historic stock. One thing that is common to both is the need for context and location – a sense of physical place.

Adjudication

Inbrief

08 July 2021

Adjudication is a mandatory procedure for determining disputes, and was introduced in the construction industry by the Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996 (the “Construction Act”).

The catalyst of Covid-19 must bring a positive change to our offices: Clare Reddy writes for Property Week

Press

01 April 2021

Covid-19 has been, and continues to be, a catalyst for change. At some point, life will settle into a new rhythm, which will come with its own challenges. As we grapple with hybrid ways of working, the pandemic has shown that our experiences have not been equal and has emphasised the increased importance of wellbeing.

Lewis Silkin wins Real Estate Team of the Year Award 2020

Press Release

06 November 2020

Lewis Silkin has won the accolade of Real Estate Team of the Year award at The Lawyer Awards 2020 for their work on Earl’s Court Regeneration.

Lewis Silkin heads legal think tank on planning changes

Press Release

17 June 2020

Following the COVID19 outbreak, The Law Society wrote to the Minister of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) with a list of proposed recommendations to assist with planning during the coronavirus pandemic.

Temporary use of vacant land offers chance for collaboration: Anthony van Hoffen writes for Property Week

Press

12 May 2020

Covid-19 space requirements present an unusual opportunity for the property sector to make a difference. Nicola Mathers, Chief Executive of Future of London and development partner Anthony Hoffen discuss the potential temporary use of vacant land during the pandemic and the opportunities for collaboration.

How legal changes can keep planning and development open during the coronavirus epidemic: Sara Hanrahan writes for The Planner

Press

24 April 2020

The Law Society has requested a slew of changes to the English planning system to enable planning and development to continue during the coronavirus epidemic and the post-lockdown period, as Sara Hanrahan explains in this article for The Planner.

The Law Society calls for urgent planning fixes: Sara Hanrahan writes for Estates Gazette

Press

21 April 2020

The planning committee for the City of London and the wider national planning committee joined forces to consider the legislative changes introduced since the outbreak of Covid-19. Sara Hanrahan, our Head of Planning discusses the current legislation and how it could provide the building blocks for the future.

Covid-19 relief for financially troubled suppliers with public contracts

01 April 2020

On 20 March 2020 the Cabinet Office published guidance designed to ensure that all public bodies provide support under existing contracts to suppliers of “goods, services and works” who are financially “at risk” as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

More than just a stadium…

18 September 2019

However it’s done, whether being rebuilt from scratch (Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal), expanded (Liverpool) or converted from other uses (West Ham, Manchester City), one thing for certain is that football stadiums are big business. In this article, we explore some of the current projects and highlight some of the hot topics surrounding these cathedrals of the national game.

Building contracts - good practice and inspections

Inbrief

06 August 2019

This guide will look at how employers, contractors and consultants can form, improve and maintain good relationships. Many of these tips are not exclusive to building contracts, but are especially important in construction projects due to the number of parties involved and the often complex nature of the work. Good faith and alliancing provisions are outside of this note.

Practical Completion and the Rectification Period

Inbrief

25 July 2019

This guide on delay and completion considers: what is practical completion; the consequences of practical completion either happening or not; the options if practical completion is delayed and obligations arising during and at the end of the Rectification Period.

Anthony van Hoffen writes for Open Access Government: Development sites and why you should pay them a proper visit

Press

11 July 2019

Anthony van Hoffen has written a guide for Open Access Government discussing what you need to check when making development site visits.

Some good news (at last) for business rate payers in England

21 January 2019

On 1 November 2018 the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 (Act) received Royal Assent. The Act will apply to England only. It was introduced in response to the controversial decision of the Supreme Court in Woolway v Mazars in 2015. The title of the Act doesn’t sound exciting but it may save some businesses money by reversing potential increases in their liability to business rates. Before we look at what the Act does, let’s remind ourselves as to why the Government felt compelled to step in and legislate

Community Infrastructure Levy

Inbrief

18 January 2019

The Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) is a discretionary planning charge which was introduced in 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010.

The new visa route for recognised or emerging leaders in architecture: what does this mean for the architectural sector?

13 December 2018

The Government has announced a new immigration category for overseas recognised or emerging leaders in architecture that has the potential to ease access to jobs in the UK. With Brexit looming on the horizon, this news will provide some much needed reassurance that the UK’s Architecture sector will still be able to attract the best global talent over the coming years. However the new measures are limited in their scope and are unlikely to plug the gap that will be left once freedom of movement for EU workers comes to an end.

Clare Reddy comments for Property Week: Industry welcomes Lords report calling for overhaul to unlock potential for offsite manufacturing

Press

03 August 2018

Clare Reddy comments in an article for Property Week, which discusses offsite manufacturing and the need for clients, designers and contractors to collaborate if the innovative construction technique is to take off in UK.